NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, The Democrats are in disarray. This past week, Speaker Nancy Pelosi was forced to cancel a vote on the Democrats' Trojan Horse "infrastructure" package due to the ongoing "Democrat civil war." The Far-Left Socialists wing of the Democrat Party is still pushing for their $5.5 TRILLION package, but the number is a nonstarter for "moderate" Democrats.
I completely understand where the moderates are coming from. A vote for the Democrats' Trojan Horse "infrastructure" package is a vote for the largest tax increase and the largest spending package in American history that will increase taxes, cause inflation to skyrocket, and make businesses in America less competitive.
In addition to the child-like infighting that’s occurred this week, Democrats continue to prove that they have no plan for the current border crisis. The Biden Administration is reportedly preparing for a massive surge of up to 400,000 migrants during October alone -- this would nearly double the number of encounters in July or August. An appeals court has also allowed the Biden Administration to continue using Title 42 public health authority to quickly expel migrants at the border due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The White House has the tools it needs to combat this crisis but lacks the will to put in place policies that will finally secure the border.
Please read about my week below:
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
This Week in the District
Updates for Veterans
Coronavirus Updates
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
National Defense Authorization Act of 2022
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is perhaps the most critical bill that Congress must pass each year, containing all policy changes related to national security. The timely passage of the bill is vital to the missions of our military installations, particularly to the rebuild of Tyndall AFB and the F-35 project.
The Biden Administration’s national security policies have been nothing but disastrous, from the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan to the crisis on the southern border. The White House has also made no progress in holding the Chinese Communist Party accountable for its role in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite these failures, Biden proposed a $25 billion cut to defense programs. The House NDAA bill reverses these cuts. The bill also protects servicemembers’ free speech rights on social media, prohibits them from being dishonorably discharged for choosing to not receive the COVID-19 vaccine, authorizes a 3% pay raise, and redirects National Guard resources to the Southern Border.
Finally, the bill requires immediate reports regarding: - Number of Americans left behind in Afghanistan
- Personally, identifying information and biometrics of Americans now in the hands of the Taliban
- Itemized lists of aircraft, combat vehicles, and other U.S. military equipment left behind
- Threats posed by Al Qaeda and other terrorists operating in Afghanistan
- Strategic impacts of abandoning Bagram Air Base
- Taliban relationship with foreign terrorist organizations
- Security impacts on the Taliban release of terrorist prisoners
- Financial assets and other resources available to the Taliban
- The involvement of the Chinese Communist Party in the origins of COVID-19.
The House and Senate must pass their own versions of the NDAA before a conference process can begin working on a final bill that will become law. I’m strongly opposed to the provision that infringes on 2nd amendment rights by implementing red flag laws. My colleagues and I issued a letter (below) to conferees - who decide on the final content of the bill - urging them to strike the red flag law language. Every single day, brave American servicemembers serve in harm’s way to defend our nation and the very constitutional rights that red flag provision would erode. I want to see this removed from the final NDAA bill.
This Week in the District
Disaster Loan Information
Florida businesses and residents affected by Severe Storms and Flooding on Aug. 3-7, 2021 may apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The declaration includes Taylor County and the adjacent counties of Dixie, Jefferson, Lafayette, and Madison in Florida.
To assist businesses and residents affected by the disaster, the SBA opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Taylor County. Here are the details:
SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)
Taylor County
Steinhatchee Community Center
1013 Riverside Dr.
Steinhatchee, FL 32359
Hours: Mon – Wed, Oct. 4 – Oct. 6, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thurs, Oct. 7, 9 am. to 4 p.m.
Closed: Sat and Sun
Closing permanently: Thurs, Oct. 7 at 4 p.m.
Click here for more details.
Updates for Veterans
Do You Know Anyone In Afghanistan?
August 31st may have been the deadline to leave Afghanistan, but our work isn't done.
There are Americans and allies with pending Special Immigration Visas (SIVs) that have not been evacuated yet, and I will continue to work on their behalf.
If you have relatives, colleagues, friends, or loved ones currently in Afghanistan OR if you’re a veteran or service member in contact with an interpreter stuck in the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) process, please reach out to my office so we can try as best as we can to get them to safety.
Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov.
Help is available. You are not alone.
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, there are caring, qualified VA responders standing by to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, anonymous, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.
Call 800-273-8255
Coronavirus Updates
Get Vaccinated
Floridians 12 and up are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for persons age 12 and up. The Moderna vaccine is authorized for persons age 18 and up.
I encourage you to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine. The State of Florida has partnered with Sharecare to provide an easy-to-use platform that will save your spot for your shot. Schedule your appointment here. Florida has many sites providing the COVID-19 vaccine. Use the vaccine finder to find a site near you. Supplies are limited and appointments may be required.
Monoclonal antibody treatments
Early monoclonal antibody treatment saves lives. Antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond effectively to the virus. According to the treatment guidelines, monoclonal antibody therapy should be administered as soon as possible after diagnosis. Referrals are not required at any of the State of Florida monoclonal antibody treatment sites and treatment is available at no cost to patients.
If you or someone you know has tested positive for COVID-19, visit this link to find locations to receive monoclonal antibody treatment. For more information about the treatments, click here.
Thank you for your continued energy and enthusiasm, as reflected in your letters and Facebook posts. If you haven’t already, LIKE my Facebook page. You can also follow me on Twitter @DrNealDunnFL2. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in Congress!
Sincerely,
Dr. Neal Dunn
Member of Congress
| IN THE NEWS Rep. Dunn joins Sen. Marshall & Doctors Caucus in sending letter to CDC urging recognition of COVID-19 natural immunity
Congressman Dunn Joins Florida Delegation in Championing the Reusing Equipment for Environmental Fortification Act Constituent Casework Corner
A constituent contacted my office after waiting two years with no updates from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on their pending Application for Naturalization (N-400. We were able to work with USCIS to have the constituent’s N-400 adjudicated and the constituent was sworn in as a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Do you need help with a federal agency? Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov
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